Skin Grafts

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Skin grafts are used to manage a wide variety of wounds. The type of skin graft used will depend on factors such as; the type of wound, location of the wound and an individual's overall health.

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There are 2 types of skin grafts

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• Split thickness skin graft (SSG)

• Full thickness skin graft (FTSG)

 

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Split Skin Grafts

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A split skin graft is a very thin shaving of skin. The area where the skin is shaved from is called the donor site; this is often the upper thigh. The thin shaving of skin (the split skin graft) is then laid over a wound, and may be sutured or glued in position.

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Protective dressings are placed over both areas after surgery to allow healing.

The skin graft dressing is removed approximately 1 week later for review of the healing graft by your surgeon. A split skin graft may require several more weeks of dressings after surgery.

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The donor site dressing (the area where the skin graft originated from) remains in place for approximately 2 to 3 weeks to allow healing to occur.

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Should you require a split skin graft you will be provided with an individualised dressing plan as part of your post surgery care.

 

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Full Thickness Skin Graft

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A Full Thickness Skin Graft is where a piece of skin is cut from an area (this area is then sutured closed) and the skin graft is then transferred to be used to cover a wound. The full thickness skin graft is sutured in place. A dressing is used to protect and cover the graft while healing occurs.

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Approximately a week later the skin graft will be reviewed by your surgeon.

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Should you require a full thickness skin graft you will be provided with an individualised dressing plan as part of your post surgery care.